Spanish-Moroccan Runner Mohamed Katir Wins Silver in World Championship 5,000m

"I can’t imagine how my father and mother are doing and I want to hug them. I remember them and the people who believed in me, from my village, Mula, from my country, Spain, and also the Moroccans, from my country of origin," Katir said to Murciaplaza after finishing second in the race, behind Norwegian Jakob Ingebrigtsen.

The athlete of Moroccan origin is a bit disappointed, but proud of this result. "What a race! I gave it my all but Jakob is Jakob, the best in the world today and I was about to beat him," he commented, recalling that he won bronze last year at the World Cup and now silver. Katir hopes to win gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Born in the Moroccan city of Ksar El Kébir, Mo Katir arrived with his parents in Mula at the age of four. It was only in October 2019 that he obtained Spanish nationality, after a long struggle. Since then, he has broken several national records in all categories (1,500, 3,000 and 5,000 meters) and won medals in international competitions.